Keeping Litter Out of Waterways

Litter can make its way into local waterways, causing local water pollution as well as pollution in the San Francisco Bay. To address this problem, California’s Water Quality Control Board requires all San Francisco Bay Area cities and counties to reduce trash going into the Bay 40% by 2014, 70% by 2017, and 100% by 2022.

The City of Livermore is proactively working to meet the 40% trash reduction goal by banning plastic bags at most retailers; banning plastic foam packaging (e.g., Styrofoam) at restaurants; increasing street sweeping; installing and maintaining storm drain trash capture devices; promoting the Livermore Litterbug Hotline; participating in the California Highway Patrol Litter Enforcement Committee, and working together with residents and agencies to implement an Adopt a Creek Spot Program.

Click on the following links to learn more about keeping litter out of waterways.